In Bars & Clubs

Downtown bar guide

Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on July 11, 2000 at 5:03 a.m.
We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details,
specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific
questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.

Downtown is the center of it all. It's where it all happens. But, many Milwaukeeans have the perception that downtown shuts down at 6 o'clock, when the office workers flee for the neighborhoods and suburbs. Not true! Our city center has a wealth of night spots that are fun, exciting and interesting. Here are a few of them.

Bar Louie1114 N. Water St., (414) 847-1492barlouieamerica.comThis may be a national franchise, but that doesn't mean its downtown location isn't all Milwaukee. The perfect spot for late-night dining, this restaurant/bar is also great for a night out with a group - especially on Tuesdays, when burgers are $1 from 5 p.m. to close.

Bar None1139 N. Water St., (414) 226-6969barnonemilwaukee.comNot only does Bar none have a great Water Street location, they also claim to host the "Best-Looking Crowd in Town." We can't attest to that, but they do have awesome weekly specials and a killer happy hour.

BluThe Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 298-3196blumilwaukee.comPerched atop The Pfister Hotel, this hot Milwaukee nightspot offers some of the best views of the city. Sample wine from its exclusive wine flights, sip lavish cocktails and enjoy the beauty that is Blu. A wonderful place for a drink before or after your night on the town.

Brother's 1213 N. Water St., (414) 224-1690brothersbar.com Features American fare grilled food and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages.

Buck Bradley's 1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500buckbradleys.com Featuring the city's longest bar, Buck Bradley's is a solid choice for before or after a Bradley Center event. Features casual dining and a sports bar on the second floor.

Buckhead Saloon 1044 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 290-0233buckheadmilwaukee.com Casual yet classy, Buckhead brings a touch of Aspen to Milwaukee. Provides live music or djs most nights.

Buckley's Restaurant and Bar801 N. Cass St., (414) 277-1111buckleysmilwaukee.comSure, it's a restaurant - but this is Milwaukee, so of course their bar is up to snuff. Featuring a varying selection libations, their wine list is especially impressive (and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, bottles are half-priced). They've also got a great offering of Wisconsin brews, Micro brews, and cocktails.

Calderone Pub 322 W. State St., (414) 273-3236 The relatively new Calderone Pub offers an extensive menu of both sandwiches and beverages.

Elsa's on the Park 833 N. Jefferson St., (414) 765-0615elsas.com Located in Milwaukee's picturesque Cathedral Park area, Elsa's is the brainchild of the famous Kopp family and one of the city's coolest restaurants. Casual, yet extremely hip -- Elsa's features half-pound sirloin burgers, pork chop sandwiches, buffalo wings and amazing martinis. Check it out before or after a Milwaukee Bucks game. Rumor has it, it is a favorite of many of the players.

Eve 718 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 347-5555 The atmosphere takes on a new personality on weekend nights as noise levels double and the social scene picks up, turning an elegant dining room into a full-scale nightclub.

Flannery's Bar and Restaurant 425 E. Wells St., (414) 278-8586flannerysmilwaukee.com Flannery's features a warm, friendly atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub. They proudly serve a host of Wisconsin made beers, wines from around the world and frothy pints of Guinness Stout. Lunches, dinners and soups served from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Jim's Time Out 746 N. 7th St., (414) 276-9610 Last but most definitely not least, is Jim's Time Out. A Downtown treasure, Jim's is the kind of low-key, neighborhood tap that could once be found everywhere in the city. If you like smoky, intimate, no-nonsense watering holes, Jim's is the place for you. Its charms are especially evident now that they are hidden in a shadow by the modern Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater.

John Hawks Pub 100 E. Wisconsin Ave. (414) 272-3199johnhawkspub.com This expansive subterranean British-themed pub is warm and cozy in the winter. In summer, sit by the river and choose from a wide variety of sandwiches, soups and daily specials.

Lucille's Rockin Pianos 1110 N. Old World 3rd St. (414) 225-0304lucillesrocks.com A popular spot to watch pianos duel or to indulge in karaoke -- for those who are into this sort of thing. The dueling pianos are quite a site with two musicians alternately egging each other on, duking it out and supporting one another.

Major Goolsby's 340 W. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 271-3414 Across the street from the US Cellular Arena and just a block away from the Bradley Center, this is a classic Milwaukee establishment to eat, drink and cheer on your favorite team.

McGillycuddy's 1135 N. Water St., (414) 278-8888mcgillycuddysmilwaukee.com A classic Milwaukee watering hole, in the heart of the Water Street strip. You'll love their daily happy hour and weekly specials like Whiskey Wednesday and Team Trivia Tuesdays.

Mikey's 811 N Jefferson St., (414) 273-5397 www.mikeysmilwaukee.com Right on Cathedral Square, Mikey's specializes in comfort food with a twist; portioning plates to be shared with friends. In the summer, outdoor seating right on the square is an upfront spot to view Jazz in the Park.

Miller Time Pub 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 271-2337millertimepub.com Located inside the Hilton, the name says it all. It's Miller Time! But don't just come here for beer - they also have excellent bar fare.

Molly Cool's Seafood Tavern1110 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 831-8862mollycools.comMolly Cool's serves some great food, but their bar area is equally impressive. From affordable house wines to beer to cocktails (try the Redneck Mai Tai), there's something for everyone here.

My Office 736 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 276-9646One of the better names for a bar in Milwaukee ("Just tell my wife I'm at My Office"), this throw-back tavern Downtown also serves a tasty breakfast, believe it or not. It's also a good place for a late night cocktail.

New Yorker Bar645 N. James Lovell St., (414) 272-9444Don't let the name fool you - this bar is made for Milwaukeeans. Karaoke five nights a week? Sounds good to us. They love their regulars, but if you're an unfamiliar face they'll make you feel at home just the same.

Red Rock Saloon1227 N. Water St., (414) 431-0467redrockmilwaukee.comMilwaukee's first Country/Rock fusion venue, Red Rock saloon is the perfect watering hole for urban cowboys (and cowgirls). From the "biker fare" (featured on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food Nation) to the mechanical bull (see if you can last eight seconds), this is the place to go if you need a little extra giddy-up in your step after a long day at work.

Rock Bottom Brewery

740 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 276-3030rockbottom.comHave one of the homemade beers while dining on burger, salads, ribs, enchiladas, pasta, smoked fish, wood-roasted pizzas or a steak. Or if you just feel like drinking beer, there is a pool room in the basement. Rock Bottom is a nice change from the ordinary. Local musicians also perform here on New Year's Eve.

Safe House 779 N. Front St., (414) 271-2007safe-house.com There's only so much we can say about the Safe House without giving away all the fun. Let's just say that if you haven't already been to this Milwaukee landmark, it's time to go. If you're looking for the perfect place to take out-of-town guests or are just searching for a unique dining experience that mixes entertainment and intrigue, the Safe House is for you. Featured in Time, Newsweek, People, Chicago Tribune and "Major League," the Safe House is a fun place to eat, drink and meet.

Starbar Milwaukee631 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 277-7827If you like your bar experience set to a thumping dance beat, Starbar offers your kind of nightlife. Patrons love the edgy club vibe and the combination of intimate seating and crowded dance floor.

Taylor's 795 N. Jefferson St., (414) 271-2855taylorsmilwaukee.com Milwaukee's beautiful people meet at Taylor's. Always cutting-edge and trendy, Taylor's serves up house special drinks and tasty margaritas. Beer, of course, is another option. Located in the Cathedral Park area, Taylor's attracts a crowd dressed to the nines and ready to unwind after a long day or week at the office. Keep your eyes open at Taylor's. It's a favorite stop for several Green Bay Packers.

Tequila Rita's 1131 N. Water St., (414) 273-7483The name says it all! Plus, it's in the former Terrace space, which means the unique architecture, including a rooftop terrace, has a agreat view of Downtown.

Water Street Brewery1101 N. Water St., (414) 272-1195waterstreetbrewery.comMilwaukee's first brew pub has been serving up finely-crafted traditional and specialty brews and excellent bar fare since 1987. Beer enthusiasts will love the historic memorabilia on the walls. Located a block away from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, this landmark establishment is the perfect place to begin - or end - your downtown evening.

Yaffa 106 W. Wells St., (414) 223-0101 Sure, it's more of a restaurant. But, Yaffa Restaurant and Lounge is it's official name. Stop in a drink on the patio and be sure to try the teas.

If we've left out your favorite Downtown drink spot, use the talkback feature below to share it with the rest of us. And watch for another Downtown bar guide coming soon!

Talkbacks

What about THIS IS IT ???
A 1960-s era bar relatively unchanged
418 East Wells -- Check It Out !!
The Best Drink Prices in Downtown Milwauke in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere (with a Killer JukeBox !!!)

Facebook Comments

Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by OnMilwaukee.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of OnMilwaukee.com or its staff.